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'I'm sure there are going to be times when I do things wrong and everyone's going to think I'm terrible and rubbish,' admitted Norris.

'It's very different when you get to F1 knowing that when I make one small mistake a lot more people are going to see it. There's more pressure in knowing you're under more scrutiny.

'The aim is to become a better driver. I've spent a lot of time over the winter to try and prepare for this moment but there are some things you can't learn until you're on track.

'I'm going to make mistakes. No driver is perfect.

'I know I'm going to go through those times so it's about allowing people to help me iron those mistakes out.'

One person Norris has not turned to for help is Lewis Hamilton.

The reigning five-time world champion sat in the same seat as Norris 12 years ago at the start of his F1 career with McLaren.

Norris was speaking at McLaren's Woking base as they unveiled their car for the new season

McLaren have a strong history of success but haven't had a podium finish for half a decade

'I haven't rung up Lewis, I don't have his number,' said Norris. 'I haven't gone out of my way to seek advice from people I don't know.

'I shook his hand at the press conference in Abu Dhabi last year but that's about it. I don't know him at all.

'He's a driver I admire a lot because of how amazing he is, one of the best of all time.'

While Hamilton spent his winter break snowmobiling, skiing and surfing, Norris has barely travelled further than the 20-minute drive between his Guildford home and the McLaren factory in Woking, where they unveiled their 2019 car on Thursday.

'I enjoy driving in the simulator and staying at home,' said Norris. 'I don't like going out and drinking at all.

'I find much more of a negative effect of a hangover than getting drunk so I don't like it and haven't done it for a while.

'You won't see me out in London getting hammered too much.'

Norris will become Britain's youngest ever F1 driver when he takes his seat on March 17

Eight-time constructors' champions McLaren have not won a race since 2012.

Norris admits that is unlikely to change this season, but can see light at the end of the tunnel.

'I feel confident the team have understood better where they are with the car and themselves,' he said.

'I've been here for two years and I feel like they're in a better position than they were two years ago.

'I'd like to say they're on an upward trend but there's still a lot of improvement to be done to be the best team again.

'I've joined at a good point. The aim is to win races and championships but we have to improve as a team first.'